Dua Lipa and Callum Turner’s lavish Sicily wedding draws stars, sparks local protest

Pop star Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner married in a private civil ceremony at Old Marylebone Town Hall in London on 31 May. The next week they staged a three‑day celebration in Palermo, Sicily, centred on the historic 18th‑century Villa Valguarnera in Bagheria.

The festivities, described as the most extravagant wedding in Sicily since the fictional Michael Corleone’s, hosted 200‑300 guests and cost roughly €1.5 million to €1.7 million (about $1.7 million). Guests included Elton John, who performed “Your Song”, Charli XCX, Donatella Versace, Joe Alwyn, Mark Ronson and other international celebrities. The program featured a Michelin‑starred dinner prepared by chef Tony Lo Coco, a 10‑minute fireworks display, and after‑parties with DJs Carl Cox, Martin Garrix, David Guetta and Peggy Gou.

Security was extremely strict, with anti‑drone systems, road closures and confidentiality agreements. Local residents protested the disruption, posting signs such as “Palermo is not for rent.” Reports say the couple paid compensation to nearby residents, around £5,000 ($6,700) per household. A study cited by Italian news agencies estimated the wedding generated an economic impact of about €268 million ($308 million) for the Palermo metropolitan area.